Droplet extraction module for the analysis of segmented flow generated by a neural probe

We recently developed a neural probe allowing to capture at high temporal resolution nano-volume droplets of interstitial fluid from the brain organized in a segmented flow. In order to enable the analysis of these small volume and low concentration droplets, a PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) extraction mod- ule was designed and fabricated using microfabrication technology. Extraction efficiency was evaluated by injecting an artificially created droplets train separated by oily phases in the PDMS module and analyzing the proportion of droplets successfully removed. Results demonstrate 97% of removal effi- ciency as well as compatibility with a large range of flow rates.